The remarkable vibrant red pigment astaxanthin, extracted from seaweed and other seafood, stands out as a powerful antioxidant that may hold the key to transforming our approach to human health. Known as one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, astaxanthin belongs to the carotenoid family, which also includes beta-carotene and lycopene, but it acts very differently from other antioxidants because of the position of its carbon atoms. It is a major defense against oxidative stress and inflammation, two major causes of aging and other chronic diseases.
The term "antioxidant" is a broad category for agents that have this action, and they play a critical role in protecting the human body from oxidative stress resulting from an imbalance between free radicals - those highly reactive molecules generated by a cell in every metabolic process, whether aerobic or anaerobic - and the body's natural antioxidant defenses. Environmental factors as well as man-made factors such as pollution, poor diet, smoking, and excessive sun exposure are those that increase the levels of free radicals, which are otherwise constantly and naturally generated by the body, causing damage to cells, proteins, and DNA. Over time, this damage accumulates and contributes to what could be considered the hallmark of aging, and this process is increasingly linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and other inflammatory diseases. Antioxidants, such as astaxanthin, are anti-inflammatory compounds with the ability to neutralize these free radicals to reduce oxidative stress, allowing cells to function optimally and improving overall health.
Astaxanthin, however, is highlighted for its structure, which allows it to cross cell membranes due to its large and long molecular structure. Since astaxanthin has been shown to strengthen cellular housing across membranes to repair cellular damage, it could thus protect it from both the inside and the outside against oxidative stress induced by radicals. Such unique protection by these compounds is rare compared to other less effective antioxidants.
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6828919/